Workplace Bullying

Workplace bullying is not specifically illegal in Georgia or under federal law in the United States. However, there are circumstances under which bullying might cross into illegal behavior:

It’s Important to have an Attorney Review your Handbook or Contract

**Discrimination or Harassment**: If the bullying is based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or genetic information, it could constitute illegal harassment under federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

**Retaliation**: If the bullying is in retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, or other protected activities (like whistleblowing), it might be considered illegal.

**Hostile Work Environment**: If the bullying is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment, but only if it relates to protected characteristics, it could be illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

While general bullying itself might not be illegal, your employer may have policies against it, and it could still be grounds for filing a complaint with human resources or taking other internal actions. If you believe the behavior crosses into illegal territory, it might be worth consulting with an employment attorney to discuss your specific situation and potential legal options before you make your complaint to human resources.

I am an employment attorney located in Savannah, Georgia who can help you. I take cases throughout the State of Georgia.

If you believe that you have been bullied because of your race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or genetic information, please do not hesitate to contact me for a free consultation at (912) 244-3999. Let’s talk about the facts of your case so that I can give
you my opinion about whether or not you have a case.